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The role of mobile phones in family relationships
Background
A few years ago, TSA undertook research into how ‘monitoring and supervision’ works in families (see separate project sheet for details). A key finding from this project was the role of mobile phones in family relationships, particularly in relation to keeping young people safe. However, the use of mobiles was not explored in any great detail, and it was considered important to investigate this further. TSA therefore secured grants from the Mobilephone Manufacturers Forum (MMF) and the GSM Association (GSMA) to undertake further research into this important topic. This project has now been completed.
The project
The aim of this project was to better understand how mobile phones (including texting) are used in communications between young people and their parents/carers. A particular focus was on how mobiles are used by parents and young people in relation to safety.
The project involved qualitative research with 60 families containing young people aged 11-16. Individual interviews were undertaken with one young person and one/two of their parents/carers. In addition, each participant completed a diary over the same seven day period, in order to look at the realities of family communication using mobiles.
The research has now been completed, and a full report and summary are now available from TSA. A conference was held in Manchester in October 2006 (‘Young people and modern technologies: Focussing on the positives’) to disseminate the results. TSA are currently looking to develop the research into educational materials for young people and parents.
Staffing
Kerry Devitt was the researcher on the project, and Debi Roker was the grant holder and project manager.
More information:
Please contact Young People in Focus
Email: info@youngpeopleinfocus.org.uk
Tel: 01273 693311
February 2007